King Charles is breathing new life into the Royal Train by rebranding it with his royal cypher, raising hopes that the historic transport will be saved from decommissioning.
The fate of the Royal Train has been uncertain since Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, when Buckingham Palace launched a review into its future.
More than two years later, operator DB Cargo UK has confirmed it will update the train by replacing the late Queen's cypher with that of the King.
The words "Queen's Messenger" on the side will also be replaced to honour His Majesty.
King Charles is breathing new life into the Royal Train by rebranding it with his royal cypher
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Andrea Rossi, DB Cargo UK's chief executive, said: "There's always a great sense of occasion when the Royal Train is seen out on the mainline network, a sight we hope to see more frequently in the years to come, particularly with His Majesty's focus on promoting sustainability and the environment."
The rebrand coincides with the King's first use of the train in almost a year as Charles travelled to the Midlands for engagements at JCB in Staffordshire and a brewery in Burton upon Trent on the transport last week.
The Royal Train, which the King is understood to have stayed on board overnight, had not previously been used since May 2024 and was only used twice in 2023.
The Royal Train is known for its high operating costs, accounting for some of the most expensive official royal journeys each year.
King Charles is understood to have stayed on board overnight
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Palace aides maintain it provides overnight security and remains "an effective and operationally efficient mode of transport."
It now runs exclusively on hydro-treated vegetable oil, a biofuel derived from waste products, making it more sustainable and aligning with the monarch's environmental ambitions.
Queen Elizabeth II was particularly fond of the train and saved it from being scrapped in 2017 as she believed it to be a cost-effective and convenient way for the Royal Family to travel.
However, a review into the train's future was launched after Queen Elizabeth's death, indicating it might be decommissioned.
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King Charles has used the train sparingly since becoming monarch, with journeys costing between £31,571 and £52,013
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King Charles has used the train sparingly since becoming monarch, with journeys costing between £31,571 and £52,013.
Prince William has favoured public trains for official engagements at significantly reduced cost.
The Royal Train's carriages date back to the 1970s and 1980s, with the King and Queen each enjoying a dedicated lounge, bedroom and bathroom.
The Class 67 locomotive can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent using biofuel.
